Kiriel is a fallen angel who has been working in the pits of hell inflicting torment on those who have done wrong in life. He has been tiring of the same-old and decided to research teens in order to find a body that he could use to take a vacation in.

The secret was finding the perfect body, and it has to be one that will be available at the time, meaning the owner will be dying. He decides to go with Shaun Simpson, an average 17-year-old, who is just about to step in front of an on-coming cement mixer. Kiriel steps right in and starts living Shaun's life.

At first, everything is an adventure as he gets to explore the richness that can be found in all of his senses from the nice touch of cloth on his skin and the warmth of a 3-hour bath. Fortunately, Kiriel was careful to research Shaun's life carefully so he is able to slide into existing relationships with his friend and younger brother Jason.

He does find himself slipping out of character because he likes to do homework, and he finds that he really wants to be a good brother for Jason. This makes people think twice, but they are still willing to accept the differences because Shaun is a part of his life. Kiriel finds himself being drawn further and further into the lives of those around him. He wants to help them, particularly as he builds a great deal of concern about how they will feel when he is recalled back to duty in Hell.

The whole tale is filled with humor that is off-set nicely with some serious moments as Kiriel must weigh how no one in his own life seems to care as much about him as those in Jason's do. Kiriel is also obsessed with having a sexual experience. This seems to be a common theme in Jenkins' books, which forces them to be more for older teens and adults, but it seems to fit in realistically with the perspective of teens at Shaun's age.

There is also a really interesting look at the idea of religion as Kiriel considers working under the Boss (Lucifer) and how the Creator (God) views everything, or not, that is going on. The actions we take during our life are our choice or are they. What about the consequences of those actions?

While the trip was meant to be a vacation, Kiriel finds that it is also a journey.